Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Cocoa city staff and Elevate Brevard seek council support to sustain school‑based college access pilot
Summary
Elevate Boulevard director Shayla Murray Smith told council that a Cocoa High pilot increased graduates’ postsecondary plans; the program’s two‑year grant ends this year and the initiative asked council to consider direct contributions, staff mentoring, business partner referrals and attendance at a May 20 senior event.
Shayla Murray Smith, director of Elevate Boulevard, briefed Cocoa City Council on April 14 about a school‑embedded college‑access pilot focused on Cocoa High School and Brevard County’s ZIP code 32922. The program, conducted with Family Promise of Brevard as the fiscal sponsor, seeks to increase postsecondary attainment through in‑school mentoring, assistance completing college applications and FAFSA forms, and partner engagement.
Smith reported early results from the pilot: "In our pilot year, 85% of the students reported having a plan after graduation. Seventy‑five percent said they were going to college or trade school and 10% reported entering the military," she said. The presenter also said Cocoa High’s graduation rate has increased to 80.3%, an 8‑point gain in one year and a 13‑point gain over three years.
Because the initial two‑year grant ends in 2026, Smith asked the council four simple supports: consider a direct contribution to the “March to Graduation” campaign; explore staff volunteer mentors who could spend time once a month in the school; connect Elevate Boulevard with local leaders and businesses to broaden support and fundraising; and attend a senior breakfast on May 20 to celebrate students. She said Elevate Boulevard is not a 501(c)(3) but operates under Family Promise of Brevard as the fiscal sponsor, which affects eligibility for certain municipal funds such as CDBG.
Councilmembers asked practical questions about funding eligibility and confirmed council members could consider small contributions facilitated through the host 501(c)(3). Deputy Mayor Goins and Councilmembers expressed appreciation for measurable results and said staff would follow up to clarify routing of funds and volunteer logistics.
The council did not take a formal vote on direct funding at the meeting; members asked staff to return with procurement/eligibility details if council considers a direct contribution.
